The cost of one of the Bundestag’s largest new construction projects is raising concern at the commission of the Senior Council. The initial consultations scheduled for January regarding a report from the Federal Office for Building and Spatial Planning (BBR) have been postponed to the end of March. Members of Parliament need additional time to review the extensive documents, according to the “Spiegel” citing sources within the commission for Building and Spatial Issues.
The new Luisenblock Ost 1 building, located near the Reichstag, was originally estimated to cost €893 million. Vice‑president Omid Nouripour (Greens) recently told the “Spiegel” that the project could exceed €1 billion. He warned that every possible cost‑saving measure must be implemented, but only to the extent that it does not compromise functionality or safety. As chair of the building commission, Nouripour has asked the BBR to reassess the project’s costs and seek savings.
Reports from the commission suggest that some members are questioning the feasibility of tunnelling beneath the new building. Such an approach would need to be weighed against safety concerns, the commission said. Construction is still slated to begin in 2027.